The deputy said she did not support the legislation brought before the Dail as it was not constitutional and would not help other women in the situation she found herself in.

She said: "Fine Gael are in Government and we depend on the Attorney General to give advice.

"And she has said that this is unconstitutional.

"I have no desire to go into Leinster House and support bad legislation - this legislation will never lead to a repeal of the Eighth Amendment and therefore it cannot ease the suffering of the many people, the two a week that are reported."

The politician said it was necessary to hold the Citizen's Convention and have full and frank discussion over the issue before holding a referendum, otherwise it would not be passed.

She said: "I do think there is a need there to let people know what we are dealing with here."